Today was an awesome day. No problems with the in situs in lab, a leisurely read at lunch, praise from Veronica on sequencing the A. miniata Delta gene (a major portion of my SURF completed! hooray!), a good time riding at TES with Yussanne and Andrea, watching MST 3k: The Mole-People in 40 from the hammock (and being the first person to fall while getting into it), and practicing flute.

Details, details:
Riding: Rode Vermont today, who I'd never ridden before. A lovely but huge dapple grey... there's nothing like walking into the stall to groom and tack up and realising that your eyes are not quite level with the horse's withers. I was a little apprehensive at first - I mean, that's another foot or so to fall if something happens. But Vermont was a perfect gentleman. Excellent stable manners, only surpassed by his eagerness in the ring. Apparently, he's usually brought out for dressage lessons, not beginner group lessons. In any case, aside from the initial shock (from realizing exactly how much horse was under me after I mounted) and remembering how to breathe easily again, the lesson went pretty darn well. After the lesson, Julia even complimented me on how well I'd ridden - I still think it was mainly him, but she did say that we were a nice match. Here's to hoping I'll ride him again next Monday... :)
Unfortunately, Julia was under stress during the lesson, since the new director at TES was watching her teach and later stepped in to give part of the lesson... reminded me of the teaching evaluations in grade school. Hopefully the director won't find fault with her; she's incredible as a teacher, blending learning with a good deal of humor - I can't think of anyone else who, while coaching body movement in canter and yelling suggestions in the ring, has described the correct movement as being "overtly sexual" (so Yussanne tells me). Though Davee's come close with her description of posting: "It's not popping up and down, it's more of a pelvic movement. Well... hate to say it, but it's like you're humping the saddle." Yussanne and I nearly fell off the fence with laughter that time (we were watching Andrea's lesson at the time). Ah, riding instructors... This and flute will keep me sane during this year. A shame I'll have to cut back to once a week and just one instructor, but it's so much fun - not just the riding, but being around so many large animals again. Sure, they aren't dogs, but it's awfully close.

The hammock experience: I've earned the dubious honor of being the first person to fall off the desk bed while trying to get into the hammock in 40. Amazingly, I managed to miss the chair and trash can on the way down, escaping with only minimal bruises. Try your luck, you could be next! ;) No, really, it's a darn comfy hammock. Perfect for a nap or watching a movie in there. Not the best or most secure vantage point for pillow fights, but it's got potential. =^)

Time for sleeping. Night all.